Efficacy of Conservative Management versus Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Post-Dural Puncture Headache

Authors

  • Saima Bashir Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.
  • Aftab Hussain Pak Emirates Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.
  • Ahsan Ali Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.
  • Chaudry Amjad Ali Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.
  • Danish Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.
  • Saira Mehboob Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/035

Keywords:

Conservative management, Post-dural puncture headache, spinal anesthesia, neuroaxial anesthesia, sphenopalatine ganglion block, PDPH

Abstract

Background: Post-dural puncture headache is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia, and conservative management has a role, but the available evidence on comparing the sphenopalatine block and conservative management is scarce locally. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of conservative management versus sphenopalatine ganglion block for post-dural puncture headache.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the anesthesia department, a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, from October 2024 to March 2025.  Sixty women diagnosed with post-dural puncture headache post-cesarean section were selected. Patients were randomly divided in two equal groups. Group C patients were managed conservatively, while Group S received sphenopalatine ganglion block. All patients were followed by one of the researchers, and VAS score, mean arterial pressure, and pulse for 48 hours were noted.

Results: Median and interquartile range for pre-treatment VAS score was comparable in both groups (p-vale=0.059). At 12 hours median and interquartile range for group S and C was 6±2.25 and 5±2.25 respectively (p-value=0.001). The median and interquartile range for group S and C at 24 hours was 1±2 and 3±2 respectively (p-value=0.001). The median and interquartile range for group S and C at 36 hours was 1±2 and 3±2 respectively (p-value=0.026). The median and interquartile range for group S and C at 48 hours was 1±1 and 2±1.25 respectively (p-value=0.049).

Conclusion: This study concluded that pain score was significantly less in patients who received sphenopalatine ganglion block as compared to patients who were managed conservatory for post dural puncture headache.

Author Biographies

  • Saima Bashir, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

    Department of Anesthesia  and Consultant Anesthesiologist,

  • Aftab Hussain, Pak Emirates Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

    Department of  Anesthesiology ,

  • Ahsan Ali, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

        Department  of  Anesthesia and Consultant Anesthesiologist,

  • Chaudry Amjad Ali, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

       Department of  Anesthesia and Consultant Anesthesiologist,

     

  • Danish, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

       Department of  Anesthesia and Consultant Anesthesiologist,

  • Saira Mehboob, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

       Department of  Anesthesia and Consultant Anesthesiologist,

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Published

2025-07-21

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How to Cite

1.
Bashir S, Hussain A, Ali A, Ali CA, Danish, Mehboob S. Efficacy of Conservative Management versus Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Post-Dural Puncture Headache. PJMD [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 21 [cited 2026 Jun. 12];14(3):226-31. Available from: https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/3746

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